Buying from small businesses strengthens the local economy and reduces our carbon footprint, the gases that get left behind after most of our everyday activities and contaminate the environment.
In April, carbon emissions decreased by approximately 17% around the world, according to the Global Carbon Project due to lockdown. But those numbers are on the rise again because restrictions have been lifted and we’re back to using transportation and worldwide commerce.
Choosing to shop from places that do not require overseas transfers is a small step to take care of our environment.
Even if you shop from your laptop or phone, buying locally brings a personalized experience. In order to promote an ecological economy, all the stores on this list are sustainable. Many of the products are handmade or made with eco-friendly materials.
All in all, these initiatives and creations are treating nature with care and supporting the community — which is what the holidays are all about.
We divided the stores into five categories: self-care, nature, clothes, accessories, and art + stickers.
Self-care
BotĂ¡nica Enjabonada: BotĂ¡nica Enjabonada offers simple and natural hygiene products for personal and environmental well-being.
Everyday Scents: Natural candles made on the island but inspired in places (and smells) all over the world.
La Banasta: Due to recycling problems in Puerto Rico, La Banasta was born and offers essential everyday items with reusable or compostable packaging.
La Tiendita EcolĂ³gica: From makeup remover towels to bamboo brushes, La Tiendita EcolĂ³gina has the necessary products to start an eco-friendly life.
Granos PR: Sustainable alternatives for basic everyday products: brushes, sponges, soap, and utensils.
Simpla: Shop filled with sustainable and reusable products.
Ecotienda La Chiwinha: With fair trade, La Chiwi has local products for the kitchen, self-care, and holistic practices.
Nature
Clorofila: For plant lovers, Clorofila has plants (not flowers) that survive in all spaces whether it is with low light or close to pets.
TERRA Industries: For those who want to be plant lovers and don’t know how to start, TERRA Industries offers a box with everything you need to start your garden.
French Tulip: Floral arrangements that are truly unforgettable and extremely creative.
Sin LĂmites: This non-profit offers stickers to support education in Puerto Rico and at the same time give someone a special gift.
Como el Oro: Illustrator with shirts, stickers, and prints.
Fernando Norat: Known on Instagram as @tropiwhat because of his nostalgic illustrations of Puerto Rico, Fernando has prints that spark social conscience.
Chroma local: Digital space with various creations by Puerto Rican designers.